Endocrine (Hormone)
Disruptors

There is mounting concern in the scientific, environmental,
private, and governmental sectors on a wide range of
substances, known as endocrine disruptors, that may interfere with the normal functioning of a living organism's
hormone system. Endocrine disruption has the potential to cause:

reproductive

behavioral

immune system, and

neurological problems, and

tumors.

Research shows that endocrine
disruptors may pose the
greatest risk to offspring during prenatal
and early postnatal development
when organ and neural systems
are developing. However,
adverse consequences may not
be apparent until much later
in life.(1)In addition, endocrine
disruptors may affect not just
the offspring of mothers
exposed to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy,
but future offspring as well.(2)

Chemicals that mimic or antagonize the:

female estrogenic hormones,

male androgenic hormones (such as testosterone), or

thyroid hormones,

are currently receiving the most attention. All three groups are needed to support life in mammals, including people,
as well as amphibians, fish, birds, and reptiles. Possible
effects on invertebrates also are receiving attention.

DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is probably the most notorious pesticide ever. DDT and its breakdown product DDE, like other organochlorines, have been shown to have xenoestrogenic activity; meaning they are chemically similar enough to estrogens to trigger hormonal responses in animals. More about DDT.

In
order to manage fish and wildlife populations for the American
people, the Fish and Wildlife Service addresses the risks
and effects of organic pollutants, metals and pesticides,
including those that may possess endocrine activity, on the
natural resources of the country.